Plati(Xiphophorus maculates)

Platies or Xiphophorus
maculates are members of the
family Poecilidae
of the order
Cyrinodontiformes. The plati
is native to
southern Tamaulipas and northern Vera Cruz, states in northeastern
Mexico.

Although not
native to
these areas, plati have taken root
elsewhere in the world primarily due to aquarium trade related releases
into the wild. They have established
themselves in the United States in
the canal systems of Tampa Bay and Gainesville, Florida. They have
become naturalized in the state of Montana. They have also acclimated
to the freshwaters of Columbia, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Hong Kong
ecologists report that these “illegal aliens” are
creating an adverse
impact on their aquatic eco systems due to the
platies’
prolific
breading habits. The plati thrives in slow moving waters. They are
perfectly suited for canals, ditches and warm springs. Aquarium
related releases have transformed this
mild mannered creature into one of the most invasive species on the
planet.

The plati has
crossed more
than international boundaries. They have
crossed over genealogically. They are a member of the same family that
includes guppies and swordtails. Most platies have swordtail genes in
their genome from interbreeding. It is not uncommon to find a plati
with a slightly extended point at the bottom of the caudal fin (tail
fin) as a result of this interbreeding.

Commercially
selective
breeding of platies for the aquarium
industry has produced hybrid varieties. Available colors include red,
yellow, orange, blue, white, and the muli-colored sunburst. Some
varieties have black on their fins tails, or parts of their bodies.
There is even a version marketed as a Mickey Mouse Plati.

Platies
have a
peaceful
deposition. They make a good choice for a
community tank. They will grow 2-3 inches in length and have a life
expectancy of up to five years.

Platies are
omnivorous.
They will be perfectly fine fed common variety tropical fish flakes.

Breeding
Platies

Male
live bearing fish have a common trait of harassing the females
of their species even though the females of the species are typically
larger than the males. This can be avoided by a mix of 2-3 females for
every male. Plants are also beneficial. They give the females places to
hide.

Most live bearing species are easy to spawn. They will readily
spawn in community tanks. They don’t need specific conditions
to induce
spawning like many egg laying species. Males have the addition of a
modified anal fin known as a gonopodium that is used in reproduction.
Females are prone to having gravid spots that tend to become larger
when they are carrying eggs.

Not all female platies have gravid spots. If you are unable to sex your
platies just put the entire group in a breeding tank.

Another trait common to live bearers is that they have a tendency
of eating their fry. This can be easily avoided with the use of a
breeding trap. Simply place the impregnated female into the top
compartment of the breeding trap. The fry will fall into the fry
compartment below. Once the female is done giving birth, remove all the
adults from the breeding tank and release the fry.

Fry can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, powdered fry food or
small amounts of powdered eggs. Plati fry develop quickly. Typically in
about four weeks.

For a distinctive fish variety individual to your aquarium,
crossbreed the more exotic platies with swordtails!
Not only will it be
fun. It will give you serious bragging rights as an aquarium owner.